Time to Celebrate with Pumpkin Cake

I did it. After plot twists and unexpected interruptions, I still managed to turn in my twelfth Love Inspired book on time. You know what means. It's time to celebrate. And with autumn in full swing, I can do it with some of my favorite fall treats like this pumpkin cake. 

Actually, I've shared this recipe before and I really do love it. First, it's delicious. Second, it's small, only an 8x8 or 9x9 pan's worth. Meaning you're not munching on cake for the rest of the week.

Here's what you'll need for this Pumpkin Cake:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup softened cream cheese
• 2 Tbs butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium to large size bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until well combined.

Add pumpkin and oil.

And beat a medium speed to combine.

Love that color.

With your mixer on low, add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

And beat for one minute.

Yes, the batter will be thick.

Spread batter into greased 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan.

Bake until cake is set and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes.

Allow cake to cool, then make your frosting.

In a medium size bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.

And beat until fluffy.

Spoon frosting onto cake.

And spread evenly, using knife or offset spatula.

Delicious!

A taste of autumn in every bite. And what's not to like about that.

What are some of your favorite fall treats?

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com

Coconut Cake and Life in the Country

I love coconut. I can remember eating it right out of the bag when I was a kid. Okay, as an adult, too. Still, I don't indulge in coconut desserts that often. So when I do, it had better be good.

Well, the craving hit a couple of months ago, so I had made sure to pick up a bag of coconut on one of my grocery runs. Of course, you know what happened then. It kept calling to me, mocking me every time I went into the pantry, wanting to know when I was going to make something with it. And I knew what that something was going to be. Coconut cake. 

I love this recipe. It makes a nice, rich cake.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 white cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)

• 4 tablespoons melted butter

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup sweetened flake coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Grease 9x13 baking pan with butter or spray. 

Combine all ingredients except coconut in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides then continuing mixing at medium speed for two minutes.

Add coconut. 

 Fold into batter, then pour into prepared pan and spread evenly. Batter will be thick.

Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Remove from oven and allow to cool before frosting.

For the frosting, you will need: 

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup sweetened flake coconut

Whisk all ingredients except coconut together until smooth then fold in coconut.

Spread over cake. You can serve immediately or chill before serving.

I usually eat it right way because I can't wait, however, what's left is always chilled because of the whipped cream. And I think I like it better chilled. It's not a light, fluffy cake, but it's not dense either. Just moist, rich and delicious. All winners in my book.

Well, we discovered some more baby wrens this week. 

Their parents built this next in a cubbie on one of our utility vehicles. We never even knew the nest was there until the babies hatched and started making noise.

And here's what I saw as I pulled out of the driveway one day.

Even out here in the country, this is not a common sight. 

Just a family out having some fun. Of course, it was about 85 degrees with at least 70 percent humidity, so I'm not sure how much it really was, but don't you know those kids got a kick out of riding down the road in a buckboard wagon.

What's something you love to eat, but don't fix very often? And what holds you back?

Three time Carol Award finalist Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, one sassy pup, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com